The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1887-03-24

therefore the South was better suited
for aseEonomical observations. This ex-
cited his interest and the engagement to
lecture at Lake Weir offorded him an
opportunity to observe the atmospheric
conditions of this State
PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.
He lectured at the Lake Weir Chau-
tauqua on the 18th. The breaking down
of the ferry on Lake Weir compelled an
adjournment to Ocala, where Prof
Proctor, his interest aroused. repeated
his lectures. At the last lecture Gen.
Robt. Bullock made the announcement
that Prof. Proctor intended to make his
home in Florida. The appreciative au-
dience received the announcement with
applause which lasted fully five min
utes. The great name Prof. Proctor has
made in science was familiar to them and
that their State should b. chosen
as his future residence gratified
them il will crafty every other
intelligent Floridian.
VIEWING THE LAND.
On the borders of Orange Lake. near
Orange Lake Post office, in Marion
County, eighteen miles from Ocala. are
situated the Bishop. the Harris and other
largest in the State. Mr.. Wilson took
famous groves, the two named being the
Rev. Edward Everett Hale, who was
visiting Lake Weir at the time, and Prof
Proctor on a tour through this rich
orchard country. DIR. Hale expressed
expatiated with enthusiasm on the books
that might he written and the work
that might be done in a land so suited to
the student and mental toiler-a land, as
he said, where overweight nerves are
soOthed, where rest, when rest was
taken, was sure to be refreshing, where
the serene skies and ever-blowing breezes
joined with the tranquilizing atmosphere.
favored the calm life which makes
scholarship a possibility. Prof. Proctor,
with equal enthusiasm, dilated upon the
advantages of the climate for scientific
research.
THE INCEPTION OF THE PLAN.
Mr.. Wilson at once responded that If
he could induce either of them to make
Florida his home he would give him ten
acres of land. His guests responded with
thanks and the matter dropped then.
But Prof PrOctor's delight with the at
mOsphere Of Florida increased during
the drive. After supper he approached
Mr.. Wilson and asked What did you
mean by the offer of ten acres of land
you made this afternoon" Mr.. Wilson
assured him that it was made in earnest
and its acceptance would be regarded as
a favor. Mr.. Proctor showed himself
much pleased with the idea of removing
to Florida, and said he would accept the
offer and buy ten acres more himself.
Il cannot express how 1 have been re-
lieved by your offer" he said The next
day the site Of Prof Proctors future
home was decided upon, and the scien-
tist purchased ten acres adjoining the
gift.
FLORIDA's ATMOSPHERE
The lower atmosphere in Florida, said
Professor Proctor, in giving the reasons
for his preference for this State, is so
clear that the consultations stand out in
wonderful brilliancy. Florida is nearer
receive his English mails sooner. There
are English settlers in the vicinity of
the chosen tract, "a good thing for our
boys" he said. He at once commenced
making mental plans of the house and
observatory he would build, of a new
method of planting his orange trees that
he proposed, and was so engaged that
night upon this pleasing task that. as he
observed the next morning, he did not
look upon a single star
AN ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY.
1t was proposed that he erect an OBJ
servatory and he was asked how much
il would take To erect and equip an OBJ
servatory, such as he would desire. He
said $40, 900 would do it, that if the OBJ
servatory was built he would quit lectur-
ing and devote himself To scientific
work. If the observatory was built for
him by State aid he proposed to devote
one day in each week to lecturing on
astronomical and kindred subjects to any
State school " thin reach thlt might b
designated. He will remove his instru-
ments and books here. His residence in
this State is not conditional upon the
erection of the observatory, but il the
means Were thus put in his hands OF
adding to the scientific knowledge of
[ the world he could do very much which
: his private means will not allow him
/ TO do. and wherever Prof. Proctor il
/ searching the heavens with his telescope
the attention of the civilized world will
be directed.
THE CHOSEN SITE
The site selected rs on tn e southwest
coast of Orange Lake. II includes two
hills rising I.5 feet above the level Of ths
lake and therefore about 200 feet abov'
the level OF the sea. 1t is on the maiI
line of the Florida Southern Road
Which of these hills Prof. Proctor vii
select for his observatory he has not de
cided. In the valley between these hill
he will put his dwelling
/ THIS SUMNER IN ENGLAND
Prof. Proctor will spend the summe
in England. except the time necessary .